Are BMI calculators, scales, charts, or machines accurate?
BMI is a screening tool and gives an estimate, but it isn’t always accurate for individuals because it doesn’t measure body fat directly.
Is the BMI chart outdated?
Some experts consider the standard BMI chart outdated because it doesn’t account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution, especially across different ethnicities.
Can BMI be wrong?
Yes, BMI can be wrong or misleading, especially for very muscular people (who may be classified as overweight/obese) or the elderly/frail (who may have higher body fat at a ‘normal’ BMI).
Can BMI be used for children?
Yes, but it’s interpreted differently using percentile curves that compare a child’s BMI to other children of the same age and sex.
When is BMI not accurate?
BMI is less accurate for athletes/bodybuilders, pregnant women, the elderly, and people who naturally have a higher or lower muscle mass than average.
Can BMI be over 100?
While rare, a BMI can be over 100 in cases of extreme morbid obesity.
Can BMI affect fertility?
Yes, both a BMI that is too high (obese) or too low (underweight) can affect hormone levels and negatively impact fertility in both men and women.